Shop steward

Shop stewards play the most important role in terms of PAM’s advocacy efforts: they see to it that their own workplace complies with the union’s most important member benefit – the collective agreement. At workplaces, shop stewards represent PAM and the employees who are members of PAM. PAM members can turn to their workplace shop steward for help and advice on employment issues. Shop stewards also communicate information about PAM member benefits and events to workplaces.

At a workplace, a shop steward is elected by employees who are members of PAM, whereas elections for an occupational safety representative are always open to all employees.

Who can become a shop steward?

You should become a shop steward, if you:

are very familiar with everyday life at your workplace;

want to listen to the views of employees;

want to represent employees and support them;

want to provide help and advice on employment issues;

want to develop things at your workplace.

want to communicate information.

Shop stewards are in a position to drive things forward at their own workplace. In their duties, they’ll get a chance for personal growth, a vantage point on the world of work and valuable contacts. The position of shop stewards has been safeguarded by better protection against unjustified dismissal in the Employment Contracts Act (55/2001) and collective agreements.

Workplace advocacy is a team game: shop stewards enjoy the trust of their own working community and receive support from employees. They may also be assisted by another employee at the same workplace who acts as a PAM liaison.

The position of shop stewards has been safeguarded by better protection against unjustified dismissal in the Employment Contracts Act and collective agreements.

Shop stewards also receive PAM’s support for discharging their duties: they may participate in shop steward training with pay, receive advice as required and the chance to network with other shop stewards.

As a shop steward, please remember to inform your PAM regional office or send an e-mail to luottamusmies@pam.fi about any changes in your employer company, such as opening and closing of new units.